Recent reports across the United States show thieves employing electronic relay attacks to steal cars equipped with keyless entry systems. The method does not require smashing windows or picking locks; instead, criminals extend the wireless signal between a vehicle and the owner’s key fob, tricking the car into thinking the authorized key is right beside it.
What a Relay Attack Looks Like
Most newer models let drivers unlock doors simply by walking up to the car with the fob in a pocket or purse. The vehicle and fob communicate wirelessly, measuring proximity. In a relay attack, two thieves work together: one positions a device near the homeowner’s fob—perhaps inside a house, apartment, or restaurant—while the other stands by the vehicle. Their equipment relays the signal over a longer distance, allowing the car to unlock and, on some models, start the engine.
Can Drivers Prevent It?
The answer varies by make and model. Some manufacturers offer a “passive entry” disable option or a sleep mode that turns off the fob’s signal when not in use. A few newer systems also include technology that more accurately gauges the key’s distance, reducing the chance of a successful relay. Check your owner’s manual or ask your dealership whether these features are available for your vehicle.
Even when such options exist, they are not universal. Testing different locking methods on my own car showed that many still responded to the fob’s signal, meaning the relay attack can still succeed.
Simple, Effective Defenses
Faraday Pouch – A low‑cost, signal‑blocking pouch can shield a key fob from being read. Police agencies recommend these pouches as a practical way to reduce relay‑theft risk. To test one, place the fob inside, seal it, and walk up to the car. If the doors remain locked, the pouch is doing its job. Remember to protect any spare fob that uses the same wireless system.
Keep Fobs Away From Exterior Walls – Store your keys deeper inside the home, away from front doors, garage doors, or exterior walls. Relays can sometimes reach a fob located near a wall, so placing the fob in a drawer or bedroom reduces exposure.
Traditional Physical Locks – Adding a steering‑wheel lock or other visible deterrent does not stop a relay attack, but it makes stealing the vehicle more difficult and may discourage a thief from attempting a quick getaway.
What to Remember
Relay attacks are real and have been documented nationwide. While a $15 Faraday pouch is not a cure‑all, it is one of the simplest tools owners can use to make this specific theft method much harder. Combine signal‑blocking with sensible storage habits and, when possible, enable any manufacturer‑offered anti‑relay settings.
Stay informed, protect your fob, and keep your vehicle safe.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
